Bolivia Election Results 2025 Rodrigo Paz Wins Presidency

Bolivia Election Results 2025: Rodrigo Paz secures presidency, ending 20 years of socialist rule and promising “capitalism for all” amid economic challenges.
Bolivians have chosen Rodrigo Paz, a centre-right candidate from the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), as their new president, marking the end of nearly 20 years of socialist governance under the Movement for Socialism (MAS). Paz’s victory signals a significant political shift in the Andean nation and a move toward pro-market economic policies.

Rodrigo Paz Wins Decisively

With 97% of votes counted, Rodrigo Paz secured 54.5% in Sunday’s presidential run-off, defeating former interim President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, who received 45.4%, according to Bolivia’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

Paz, 58, is the son of former left-wing President Jaime Zamora but has charted his own political path. After studying economics in the United States, he returned to Bolivia, serving as a city councillor, mayor of Tarija, and senator before his presidential bid.

“Capitalism for All” Promises

Paz campaigned on a platform he calls “capitalism for all”, pledging:

• Tax cuts for individuals and businesses
• Reduction of tariffs to encourage trade
• Decentralization of government authority

His vice president-elect, Edmand Lara, emphasized the need for national unity and economic stabilization, including securing fuel supplies, controlling food prices, and tackling corruption.

MAS Party Faces Internal Struggles

The socialist MAS party suffered a major defeat in August’s preliminary elections, largely due to internal divisions. Former President Evo Morales was barred from running over term-limit rules and technical party regulations, while incumbent Luis Arce chose not to seek re-election after disagreements within MAS.

Despite the loss, Morales remains influential, especially among Indigenous communities, warning that the two leading candidates represent only a small fraction of Bolivia’s population.

Economic Challenges Ahead

Bolivia is currently navigating a deep economic crisis, including:

• Inflation approaching 25%
• Shortages of US dollars and fuel
• Rising costs of basic goods

Protests over high prices and long queues for essentials were widespread leading up to the election. The country’s energy revenues have sharply declined from $6.1bn in 2013 to $1.6bn in 2024, creating fiscal pressure.

Paz has not fully clarified his plans regarding existing fuel subsidies, suggesting they may be limited to vulnerable populations. Economists predict that balancing economic liberalization with social protections will be his biggest challenge.

Looking Ahead: A New Political Era

Paz’s victory marks a historic turning point for Bolivia, as voters shift away from two decades of socialist policies. Analysts suggest that his administration will focus on economic recovery, private sector growth, and decentralization, while also needing to navigate opposition from Morales supporters.

With Arce stepping down on November 8, Bolivia is poised for a transformative period, testing whether a centre-right government can successfully address both the country’s economic challenges and social inequalities.

Bolivia election results 2025